Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hudson, MA (2024 Update)
- Hudson Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $30,412
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hudson
We go over average solar pricing in Hudson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hudson, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Hudson is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,674 for a solar installation, or $18,124 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Hudson homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Hudson that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hudson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,950 |
| 3 years | $-7,503 |
| 5 years | $-4,057 |
| 7 years | $-610 |
| 9 years | $2,837 |
| 11 years | $6,284 |
| 13 years | $9,731 |
| 15 years | $13,178 |
| 17 years | $16,625 |
| 19 years | $20,072 |
| 21 years | $23,518 |
| 23 years | $26,965 |
| 25 years | $30,412 |
Top Solar Installers in Hudson
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Hudson, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Hudson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hudson
There are several factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Hudson, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hudson, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hudson to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Hudson’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Hudson have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $14,809 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,200 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $25,818 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $31,664 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $37,737 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,038 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $50,565 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $57,320 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Hudson, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hudson?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Hudson?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.